The purpose of the meeting was to discover what progress had been made by the Sub-committees with respect to recent budgetary allocations and to formulate a future course of action for the implementation stage.   

The committee recommended Private-public partnership company to undertake due diligence for small farmers on behalf of the banks, Legal changes for enabling the recovery non-performing loans, Introduction of a system of warehouse receipts, Rural Credit Guarantee Scheme and develop a system of computerized land records. It was further proposed that the scope of certifications be broadened from merely the organic certifications. An apex body to be formed to deal with certifications and for developing marketing cooperatives and recommendations to double the current R&D budget were put forward.   

The Committee found that agriculture continued to suffer from under-investment.  Lack of finance and access to finance from the most vulnerable groups required special attention.  New arrangements should be found to encourage lending to the sector by the commercial banks.  Legislative issues (e.g. the Seed Act) needed to be expedited.  Marketing channels must be modernized and the Committee supported ideas such as the Agricultural Support and Service Centers. The private sector and PPP arrangements were to be promoted.    

The Economic Advisory Council (EAC) established by the Prime Minister in May 2008, has appointed Committees, including for Agriculture. The Prime Ministerial Committee for Agriculture covers the entire spectrum of activity in the area of agriculture, livestock and food (including nutrition). The Committee is chaired by the Minister of State for Economic Affairs.  It includes both public and private sector representatives. The Secretariat is provided by the Competitiveness Support Fund. CSF's mandate includes high level policy assistance and capacity building aimed at generating a competitive economy, economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation.